The bishop's carefully crafted public relations statement is just that:
a public relations statement. It's an attempt, under the threat of criminal
prosecution, to appear contrite and minimize the horror of what he's done.

Bishop Walsh, his defense lawyers, and his public relations staff may
utter all kinds of flowery words. None of those words, however, protect
vulnerable Latino kids or heal wounded California kids. None of those
words erase the tremendous harm he has done.

The bishop and his staff obviously failed to report admitted child sexual
abuse. They focused on damage control when they should have focused on
safeguarding kids. They immediately 'circled the wagons' when they should
have immediately called the police. No PR spin can obscure their deliberate
and devastating wrong-doing.

The bishop again tries to minimize his crime, saying he failed to "immediately
report" sexual abuse. The truth is, he never reported it. Nor did
at least three of his fellow priests. The church lawyer finally reported
the abuse, days late, and to the wrong agency.

They may claim no ill intent. But the plain and simple truth is that,
regardless of their intent, these men of God violated a clear and crucial
California law.

For more information:David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790